The Finger Lakes region will see a blustery and wet end to October as a powerful storm system exits New England, bringing showers and widespread gusty winds Friday before tapering into scattered lake-effect rain through Saturday night.
Wind advisories cover most of Upstate New York
The National Weather Service has wind advisories in effect across the Finger Lakes, Western New York, and Central New York from late Friday morning through early Saturday.
West to northwest winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph, are expected across Ontario, Seneca, Yates, Cayuga, and surrounding counties. The strongest gusts will occur south of Lake Ontario and across higher terrain.
Forecasters warn that unsecured objects and Halloween decorations could be blown around and that a few power outages are possible. Drivers of high-profile vehicles should use caution.
Showers today, lake effect tonight and Saturday
A deep low-pressure system centered over New England early Friday is dragging colder air across western and central New York.
Rain showers will continue through the day with rainfall totals ranging from a quarter to three-quarters of an inch, locally up to an inch east of Lake Ontario.
As temperatures aloft drop, lake enhancement will redevelop showers east and southeast of the Great Lakes tonight. The National Weather Service says additional rainfall up to three-quarters of an inch is possible in Wayne County and the North Country, with lighter totals in the Finger Lakes. Some wet snow may mix in across the Tug Hill and western Adirondacks overnight.
Weekend outlook: Cool, breezy, but improving
Saturday will remain breezy with scattered lake-effect showers east of Lakes Erie and Ontario. Temperatures aloft will stay cold enough for instability but limited moisture should keep bands weak and short-lived.
Conditions will gradually improve Saturday night as winds diminish and high pressure builds in.
Sunday looks mainly dry with partial sunshine and seasonably cool temperatures in the 40s to near 50.
Next system arrives Monday
Forecasters expect another fast-moving trough to reach the Great Lakes Monday.
Southwest winds could again gust between 35 and 45 mph, and rain showers are likely through Monday evening as another cold front crosses the region.
A few light showers may linger east of Lake Ontario on Tuesday before another disturbance brings rain again midweek.
Marine conditions remain hazardous
Gale warnings are posted for Lake Ontario through early Saturday, with gusts over 40 knots expected.
Small Craft Advisories remain in effect for Lake Erie and the eastern end of Lake Ontario. Winds will ease Sunday before strengthening again Monday with the next front.
Bottom line
- Gusts up to 50 mph possible Friday into early Saturday.
- Scattered showers taper late Saturday; drier Sunday.
- More rain and wind likely Monday and again midweek.
- Mariners should heed ongoing gale and small-craft warnings.
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